The Nigerian Army has announced that Major General Bemgha Koughna, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force Northwest, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, survived an ambush near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State, carried out by suspected Lakurawa terrorists.

The incident took place while the senior officer's convoy was headed to visit troops on the front lines in the region.

According to the Army, a heavy barrage of gunfire erupted along a forested section of the area, where the attackers had apparently been waiting.

Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 8 Division and Sector 2 Operation HADARIN DAJI, stated that the troops responded quickly to the attack.

He added that Major General Koughna led a counterattack amidst fierce enemy fire, with soldiers successfully returning fire and overcoming the assailants.

"Five suspected terrorists were neutralized during the exchange, while others retreated into the surrounding terrain," the army reported.

Military officials also emphasized that their response was prompt and effective, resulting in the security of the convoy and unsuccessful plans by the attackers.

After the encounter, troops conducted a clearance operation around Mayama Hill, recovering weapons and supplies abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.

Items recovered included an OJC gun, a PKT machine gun, two AK-47 rifles, four magazines for AK-47s, a bandolier of PKT ammo, several rounds of 12.7mm rounds, a camel bag containing N840,000, two mobile phones, and five motorcycles.

The military explained that these recovered arms and logistics would support ongoing intelligence efforts and weaken the operational capacity of the suspected Lakurawa group in Kebbi and neighboring regions.

Authorities confirmed that troops remain on high alert to prevent reprisals or regrouping.

The army calls on residents to continue sharing credible information with security forces as operations escalate across critical zones in the Northwest.